I used to think purchasing a watch was easy. I would simply look for a style I didnt already have that struck my fancy, and with a little self-rationalization it would be mine. But after years of watch collecting, this labor of love isnt as exciting as it used to be. Recently Ive looked at potential purchases and placed them in an electronic shopping cart, only to yawn, think twice, and change the order quantity to zero. It seems as though newer watch styles are variations on recurring and never ending themes blending into one another reminiscent of a famous Dali painting. That is until I saw this watch...

To say this chunky, almost square watch is beautiful would be an understatement. Certainly if this were not a dual movement reversible watch, each of the two faces could easily stand on their own and make two great non-reversible watches. The fact that you can through almost no effort, flip the watch case over and have a completely different watch makes this one a slam-dunk. Then of course, one must take into consideration the cool factor of owning a reversible watch. Not only do you have something on your wrist that your friend likely doesnt, even if he did get one you got yours first and hes just a follower. The amount of envy your friend or coworker will feel is directly proportionate to the width of his agape mouth. And THAT my friend, over and above the obvious reversible face, is just a small and yes incredibly satisfying part of the cool factor as a whole. But enough shallowness...

First the sporty chronograph...nicely placed sub dials for seconds @2, day of the week @6, and a minute counter for the chronograph @10 compliment the large orange and white race striped face. Thin rectangular buttons for typical chrono functions are on either side of the rather small crown. This configuration doesnt facilitate easy watch setting as its somewhat difficult to take hold of the crown. But the aesthetics of the arrangement make up for the inconvenience rather nicely. Activating the chrono sets the sweep hand in a ticking motion when counting the seconds, but the reset button changes that to a smooth and consistent movement when resetting back to the starting position. The reset button also acts as a lap timer. Pushing once while the chrono is running temporarily stops the timer, pushing it again sends it smoothly to the correct position.

The other side... Flipping the movement is easy, but its a little clumsy to do. Its very easy to activate the chrono while grabbing the upper part of the case to release it from the three spring-loaded little beads holding it in place. Once done the other personality of this timepiece is revealed that of a more dressy and sophisticated side. Still sporty with its woven steel-like face, the watch tries to be dressier but doesnt entirely succeed. Its certainly dressier than the chrono side, but not entirely so. This side, the simpler more classic looking side, could be worn with business attire or a nice pair of jeans and look great… not so much with the chrono side which in my correct and shamelessly arrogant opinion is pure sport.

The side areas of the watch where each of the two crowns are located has some "inlay?" that looks like carbon fiber, but I cant tell if it is or not. The black side panels do however work with the overall theme of both personalities of the watch.

On the wrist the watch feels large and substantial, especially when it comes to the thickness of the watch case. Because of the two movements and the backing thats part of holding the case in place, its thicker than any other watch I own. But, you dont really get a sense of how thick it is unless you are looking at it from the side.

Now the not so good news... My least favorite part of the watch is the band and double deployment clasp on the bottom. Both feel a little cheap and unsubstantial when compared to the rest of the watch. I certainly dont have a large wrist, and Ive adjusted my watch to the third hole from the bottom. Long story short, this doesnt leave a whole lot of room for you thick-wristed manly men. Even the metal on the clasp doesnt give me the sense of durability. I dont anticipate that neither the clasp nor the leather band will last very long with constant wear.

Cons… Setting the time/day/date on the chrono side would be difficult for fat fingered almost-senior citizens not unlike myself, reversing the watch may activate the chrono, thick on the wrist, small and not so great leather band, flimsy deployment clasp.

ONIB36-19.9

Established in 1895, Swiss watch manufacturer Rotary has been legendary wrist-wear name in the British Isles since 1940 - with a popularity that still remains today. The official watch supplied for the British Army since 1940, Rotary is a household name in the UK and for good reason. A number of the timepieces are water resistant, unwaveringly reliable, and feature classically beautiful designs.
The Watch Shop Rotary collection includes pieces for women and men, in a variety of formats including standard wristwatches and nurse-style fobs. For a stunningly vintage timepiece, consider a leather strap design in soft browns, blacks and navy coupled with a roman numeral face. Modern and sporty chronograph watches are available with both leather and metallic bracelets, which include the technology to manage your time to the millisecond.
For a practical and attractive keepsake you'll treasure for a lifetime, explore the full range of Rotary watches.

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WatchShop - Reviews

Mens Rotary Evolution Chronograph Watch EGS0004/TZ2/01/02

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